Cost of Living in Wapello County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wapello County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wapello County ranks #2,961 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wapello County, Iowa
Wapello rents strain household budgets
Wapello County residents spend 19.0% of household income on rent, nearly a third higher than Iowa's 14.1% state average and significantly above the national benchmark. At $950 monthly, rents here exceed the state median by $138, making housing a heavier financial burden.
Among Iowa's least affordable counties
Wapello ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa counties for rental affordability, with only a handful of counties showing worse rent-to-income ratios. This designation signals that renters here face above-average cost pressure compared to their peers across the state.
Higher rents than surrounding counties
Wapello's $950 monthly rent exceeds neighboring Van Buren by $264 and surpasses Wayne County by $290, making it the region's rental cost leader. Even compared to more affluent Warren County, Wapello's rent-to-income burden (19.0%) is worse, despite lower absolute incomes.
Housing squeezes Wapello budgets tight
Wapello households earning $60,034 annually spend $950 on rent, consuming one-fifth of gross income before taxes and other essentials. Homebuyers fare slightly better at $831 monthly, but the county's overall affordability challenge persists for both renters and owners.
Relocating? Compare Wapello carefully
Wapello's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter housing affordability than most Iowa alternatives—consider nearby Van Buren, Wayne, or Webster counties where your income stretches further. If Wapello's community draws you, budget conservatively and prioritize employment that exceeds the county's $60,000 median income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wapello County
Affordability Verdict
Wapello County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $950/month representing approximately 19.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $950/month rent versus $831/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $119/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,614/year. With a median household income of $60,034, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Wapello County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Wapello County is more affordable than Mills County by roughly 7% ($950/mo vs $888/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wapello County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,401
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wapello County
Median home value is $112,900. Estimated monthly cost: $901 vs. your max of $1,401.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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